Why Join the BGTW?

Because it can get you work. Because it will help you network. Because it offers community and support.

Become an accredited BGTW Member

To be a member of the BGTW is to be a part of the UK’s leading, accredited organisation of travel media professionals since its foundation in 1960. At its core, the BGTW is a passionate group of storytellers, all united by a love of travel. The sense of community and networking opportunities are boundless, especially for new members who jump in and make good friends. It’s also an entirely member-led association, with the Board elected annually from the membership. 

Alongside an online profile listing in our database, members enjoy a range of additional benefits, including exclusive discounts, trip opportunities, networking with the likes of Antor, and the chance to enter the BGTW Members’ Excellence awards with cash prizes. For active travel media professionals, the BGTW Press Card can more than pay for itself over the course of the year.

Scroll down to see more members’ benefits (this list is always evolving as members propose and establish new projects).

APPLY FOR BGTW MEMBERSHIP ACCREDITATION

Some of the many benefits of joining the BGTW

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Profile Listing

All Members have a complete portfolio profile on the BGTW’s website, searchable by expertise and specialism, for editors, PRs, and DMOs looking to commission or host an accredited professional.
(Estimated Value £120)

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 Press Card

The BGTW press card is accredited worldwide and provides discounted or free entry to hundreds of attractions.
(Estimated Value £unlimited)

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Members Monthly Events

From social drinks and joint events with Antor to our Summer Party, Christmas gatherings, and training workshops, the BGTW’s events calendar provides plenty of socialising and networking. While many events take place in London, perdiodic events are scheduled around the UK.
(Estimated Value £120+)

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BGTW Better World Symposium

Full Members are invited to attend the BGTW’s Better World Symposium for free, our annual conference focused on sustainable and responsible travel. Members can also apply to be a paid panellist.
(Members’ Rate Saving £50)

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Annual Gala Awards Dinner

The glitzy BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner is held annually on the eve of WTM. Whenever possible, members – especially finalists – are hosted by partners. All members are eligible to buy heavily subsidised tickets.
(Members’ Rate Saving £150)

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Members Excellence Awards

All Full Members may enter the categories of our annual award program, receiving recognition beyond the event itself. It’s one of the only industry award schemes with cash prizes.
(Cash Prize Value £300+)

Attractions

International Tourism Awards

All Members may nominate a project for either of the three categories of the International Tourism Awards. If your project is shortlisted, you’re offered a complimentary ticket to the Gala Awards Dinner to represent your nominated project.
(Saving £65+)

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Annual General Meeting

All Full Members are eligible to attend and vote at the BGTW’s Annual General Meeting, which shapes and defines the BGTW’s program for the year ahead. Sometimes, this is part of a BGTW Trip abroad. Other times, it’s a one-day event in London.

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BGTW Conventions & Trips

At least once a year, the BGTW arranges a BGTW Convention or trip abroad (sometimes linked to the AGM) for which members may apply (sometimes, commissions are required), with final attendance determined by the BGTW Board and the Host Destination. In 2025, 50 members were invited on a 10-day trip to Sri Lanka, and smaller groups travelled to Portugal.

Cognition

Webinars & Skills Development Training

All members enjoy complimentary access to a handful of webinars and training sessions run by the BGTW or our partners as part of our Members’ Benefit Program.
(Estimated Value £50+)

Loyalty

Members’ Benefits & Discounts

The BGTW has discounts in place with preferred partners, including travel insurance (including work trips), apparel, medical, and travel. Some examples of which can be seen here.

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Free Legal & Financial Advice

Members of the BGTW are annually offered up to 30 minutes of free legal advice by the BGTW’s legal partners, and may also request brief, annual financial advice by the BGTW’s accountants.

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Social Media

The BGTW’s social media accounts regularly reshare updates from our members, and all members are welcome to request posts to highlight their most recent projects.

Archive

BGTW Archives

The BGTW has a living archive at Surrey University in Guildford, with John Ruler as the current Archivist. These archives are open to university students, researchers, and Guild members and contain a wealth of resources tracing the British travel industry back to around 65 years.

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Zoom Account

Members can use the BGTW’s premium Zoom video conferencing account for free, when available.

Help

Questions?

If you have any other queries about BGTW membership, please contact the BGTW Administrator at [email protected] or via phone on 0208 144 3718.

What Our Members Say

“I joined the Guild originally because of the work opportunities and networking potential, but I’ve stayed a member because of the people. It’s great to be able to spend time with like-minded travel writers, and share ideas on work, life, the universe and everything.”
– Kerry Christiani, Freelance Travel & Guidebook Writer 

“When I am commissioning, I always look around first for BGTW members who are knowledgeable about North America. I know that my fellow BGTW members are reliable, highly professional writers and photographers who are not only good at what they do but honest about how well they know or don’t know the destinations we cover. They also often come up with good, fresh story ideas that we might not otherwise have known about.”
– Mary Moore Mason, Editor, Essentially America magazine 

“The BGTW is an enriching way of keeping in touch with other writers and photographers in what can otherwise be a very solitary profession. The Guild can open your mind to new themes, new destinations, new writing and new people – and foster lasting friendships.”
– Lisa Gerard-Sharp, Freelance Journalist

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What Our Members Say

“As a stay-at-home freelancer, opportunities to meet like-minded people working in the same field are few, and the BGTW has been a lifeline in this respect. I’ve made some excellent friends, and received ample reassurance that I am not alone in the struggles and insecurities that come from trying to make a living in this way. And I value the real contact that I have with members of the BGTW far more highly than the virtual contact of any social networking.”
– Mike Unwin, Freelance Journalist

“It’s impossible to quantify the benefits I’ve gained since joining the BGTW. Fellow members have recommended my expertise to editors I wouldn’t have imagined pitching, I’ve made some wonderful new friends and great connections both online and at members’ events, and I’ve upskilled through access to webinars. The press card basically covers the annual fee, making everything else a priceless bonus.”
– Daniel James Clarke, Freelance Writer, Photographer & Guidebook Author

Apply to Join the BGTW